Lift system with lowering mechanism

ABSTRACT

A movement system for use with an overhead patient lift system includes a motor. A drum is operatively coupled to the motor. The drum is configured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap is coupled to the drum. The lifting strap is extendable and retractable with respect to a carriage of the overhead patient lifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release operatively coupled to the drum is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum from the motor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended. Also disclosed is an overhead patient lift system including the movement system and a method for manually extending a lifting strap of an overhead patient lift system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/230,794, filed Aug. 8, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/914,023 (now Pat. No. 9,408,765), filedJun. 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/657,743, filed Jun. 9, 2012, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/736,954, filed Dec. 13, 2012, the entireties ofwhich are each incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to lift systemswith lowering mechanisms and, more particularly, but not exclusively, toan overhead patient lift system operatively coupled to a rail secured ona support surface, such as a ceiling, with a movement system that allowsa user to manually lower a lifting strap.

Caregivers may need to move patients from one location to another in acare facility. Sometimes, caregivers use lift systems to assist withlifting and/or moving a patient. While various lift systems have beendeveloped, there is still room for improvement. Thus, a need persistsfor further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a movement system for use with an overhead patient liftsystem includes a motor. A drum is operatively coupled to the motor. Thedrum is configured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate inone of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. Alifting strap is coupled to the drum. The lifting strap is extendableand retractable with respect to a carriage of the overhead patientlifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release operatively coupledto the drum is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum from themotor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended.

In another aspect, an overhead patient lift system includes a railcoupled to a support surface, a lift unit movably coupled to the rail bya carriage, and a movement system at least partially enclosed with thelift unit. The movement system includes a motor. A drum is operativelycoupled to the motor. The drum is configured to be selectively driven bythe motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and acounter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap is coupled to the drum, andextendable and retractable with respect to a carriage of the overheadpatient lifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release isactuatable to selectively disengage the drum from the motor to allow thelifting strap to be manually extended.

In yet another aspect, a method for manually extending a lifting strapof an overhead patient lift system includes actuating a manual releaseoperatively coupled to a drum to selectively disengage the drum from amotor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended.

In another aspect, a method of monitoring operation of one or morecomponents of an overhead patient lift system includes transmittingelectronic data signals, corresponding to the operation of a componentof the overhead patient lift system, to a computer in communication withthe overhead patient lift system. The electronic data signalscorresponding to operation of the component of the overhead patient liftsystem are received in a processor of the computer and processed by theprocessor to generate electronic operation data of the component of theoverhead patient lift. Processed electronic operation data of thecomponent of the overhead patient lift is stored in a non-transientcomputer readable storage medium in communication with the computer. Theelectronic operation data of the component of the overhead patient liftis displayed on a display device in communication with one or more ofthe computer and the storage medium.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any otherfeature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in theclaims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the illustrative examples in the drawings, wherein likenumerals represent the same or similar elements throughout:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary rail-mounted overheadpatient lift system, according to one or more embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view the rail-mounted overhead patient liftsystem of FIG. 1 , showing a lift unit according to one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of a movement system of the lift unitof FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view of a portion of the movementsystem of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a movementsystem suitable for use with the rail-mounted overhead patient liftsystem shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view the movement system of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the movement system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of amovement system suitable for use with the rail-mounted overhead patientlift system shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of amovement system suitable for use with the rail-mounted overhead patientlift system shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional side view of an alternative embodiment ofa lift unit suitable for use with the rail-mounted overhead patient liftsystem shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional side view of an alternative embodiment ofa movement system suitable for use with the rail-mounted overheadpatient lift system shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 12 is a sectional side view of a portion of the movement systemshown in FIG. 11 ; and

FIGS. 13-20 illustrate various screenshots of a display according to oneor more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein relate to an overhead patient liftsystem operatively coupled to a rail secured on a support surface, suchas a ceiling, having a movement system that allows a user to manuallylower a lifting strap of the overhead patient lift system. While thepresent disclosure can take many different forms, for the purpose ofpromoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure,reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in thedrawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. Nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Variousalterations, further modifications of the described embodiments, and anyfurther applications of the principles of the disclosure, as describedherein, are contemplated.

FIG. 1 generally depicts an exemplary overhead patient lift system 100for lifting and/or moving a patient according to one illustrativeembodiment of the disclosure. Overhead patient lift system 100 includesone or more rails 102 that are secured or coupled to a support surface,such as a ceiling of a room, and a lift unit 104 movably coupled to rail102 by a carriage 106. In this embodiment, lift unit 104 is configuredto support and/or lift a patient with a lifting strap 108 having a slingbar 110 or another suitable accessory attached to a free end of liftingstrap 108. In some contemplated embodiments, a sling or harness (notshown), or another suitable apparatus for supporting the patient, iscoupled to sling bar 110. More specifically, in one embodiment, withsling bar 110 coupled to lifting strap 108, a sling is coupled to slingbar 110 and configured to support the patient positioned within thesling to facilitate the lifting operation. Lifting strap 108 isoperatively coupled to a movement system 120 contained within lift unit104.

Referring further to FIGS. 2-4 , movement system 120 is supported on oneor more mounting plates 122 to facilitate coupling movement system 120to lift unit 104. Movement system 120 includes a motor 124, a gear wheel126, a drum 128, a shaft 130, and a brake or clutch system 132. In oneembodiment, gear wheel 126 is coupled to drum 128 through brake hub 146,control hub 170 (described below), wrap spring 172 (described below),and shaft 130. In this embodiment, gear wheel 126 is not directlyconnected to shaft 130 and is able to rotate with respect to shaft 130.In alternative embodiments, gear wheel 126 and drum 128 are coupled toshaft 130 to rotate with shaft 130 as shaft 130 is driven by motor 124.Motor 124 includes a motor shaft 134 and a motor gear 136, as shown inFIG. 4 , configured to engage gear wheel 126. Motor shaft 134 passesthrough an opening (not shown in FIGS. 1-4 ) in mounting plates 122 tocouple with motor gear 136 positioned between mounting plates 122. Inthis embodiment, motor gear 136 is coupled to motor shaft 134 to rotatewith motor shaft 134 as motor shaft 134 is driven by motor 124. Motorgear 136 meshes with or is otherwise operatively coupled to gear wheel126 such that as motor gear 136 rotates with motor shaft 134, therotation of motor gear 136 causes gear wheel 126 to rotate. As gearwheel 126 rotates, shaft 130 and drum 128 rotate and lifting strap 108is paid-out or taken-up (i.e., extended or retracted, respectively) inorder to lower or raise the patient supported by a lifting device, suchas a sling, attached to lifting strap 108. Motor 124 receives power froma battery (not shown) positioned within lift unit 104, for example. Inone embodiment, motor 124 is controlled with a hand-held control 140directly wired to lift unit 104. In alternative embodiments, hand-heldcontrol 140 is wirelessly coupled to lift unit 104. Also, in somecontemplated embodiments, lift unit 104 may be constructed so that motor124 is electrically coupled to conductors (not shown) located in, at ornear rail 102.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , gear wheel 126 is positioned betweenmounting plates 122 (not shown in FIG. 4 to provide clarity) andincludes a first or motor engaging portion 142, a shaft opening 144, anda second or brake engaging portion or brake hub 146. As shown in FIG. 4, brake hub 146 is integrated with or formed as one piece with gearwheel 126; however, in an alternative embodiment, brake hub 146 is aseparate piece that is coupled to gear wheel 126 using a suitablefastener, such as one or more screws or bolts. Motor engaging portion142 includes gear teeth 148 that engage gear teeth 149 on motor gear136. Shaft opening 144 is generally concentrically aligned with motorengaging portion 142 and brake hub 146 and allows shaft 130 to passtherethrough and rotate with respect to gear wheel 126. Brake hub 146has a diameter smaller than a diameter of motor engaging portion 142 andextends from motor engaging portion 142 through an opening in mountingplate 122. Brake hub 146 is generally cylindrical in shape and isconfigured to engage or operatively couple to brake system 132.

Shaft 130 extends through shaft opening 144 in gear wheel 126 and theopening in mounting plate 122. Shaft 130 has a first end 150, anopposing second end 152, and a key slot 154 defined within or at firstend 150. Brake system 132 is operatively coupled at or near first end150 and drum 128 is operatively coupled, such as directly coupled, atsecond end 152. In this embodiment, brake system 132 is actuatable tostop and/or prevent the rotation of shaft 130 and drum 128. In somecontemplated embodiments, second end 152 is coupled to a mountingstructure (not shown) to provide additional support for drum 128positioned between mounting plate 122 and the mounting structure.

Drum 128 is separated from mounting plates 122 by bearings 160 and isconfigured to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotationaldirection to extend or retract lifting strap 108. Drum 128 is generallycylindrical in shape and includes a pair of retaining flanges 162 atopposing ends of drum 128, as shown in FIG. 4 . Lifting strap 108 iswound around drum 128 between flanges 162 which help maintain liftingstrap 108 on drum 128 as drum 128 rotates to extend or retract liftingstrap 108.

Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4 , brake system 132 includes a controlhub 170, a wrap spring 172 positioned about at least a portion ofcontrol hub 170 and at least a portion of brake hub 146, and anactuation mechanism 174. Control hub 170 is coupled to shaft 130 by wayof key slot 154 and is configured to rotate with shaft 130 and drum 128.Control hub 170 is generally cylindrical and has a diametersubstantially equal to the diameter of brake hub 146.

Wrap spring 172 is configured to frictionally engage control hub 170 andbrake hub 146 to stop and/or prevent drum 128 from rotating with respectto gear wheel 126 and to allow a user to manually lower lifting strap108. Wrap spring 172 includes an end tang 176 and a control tang 178.End tang 176 is retained in a slot 180 formed in control hub 170 andcontrol tang 178 is engaged by actuation mechanism 174, shown in FIG. 3. Control tang 178 is configured to engage gear wheel 126 to open wrapspring 172 and expand a diameter of wrap spring 172 in a radialdirection with respect to a longitudinal axis of shaft 130 to allowshaft 130, control hub 170, and drum 128 to rotate with respect to gearwheel 126. In this embodiment, wrap spring 172 expands in a radialdirection to allow wrap spring 172, control hub 170, shaft 130 and drum128 to rotate. Because a load on lifting strap 108 is always in the samedirection due to gravity, wrap spring 172 is biased toward remainingtight around brake hub 146 and control hub 170 regardless of whetherlifting strap 108 is being extended or retracted. Moreover, wrap spring172 also works as a one-way clutch, preventing torque from being appliedin a wrong direction.

Actuation mechanism 174 is actuatable to engage control tang 178 andmove control tang 178 to expand wrap spring 172 in the radial directionwith respect to the longitudinal axis of shaft 130. With wrap spring 172expanded, drum 128 is rotatable, along with control hub 170, wrap spring172, and shaft 130, with respect to gear wheel 126. In this embodiment,as shown in FIG. 3 , actuation mechanism 174 includes a ratchet 182, aspring 184, a ratchet wheel 186, and a manual release 188. Manualrelease 188 is configured to selectively disengage motor 124 from drum128 to allow lifting strap 108 to be manually extended. In somecontemplated embodiments, actuation mechanism 174 includes solenoidsand/or other suitable electronic components to move control tang 178 andallow drum 128 to move with respect to gear wheel 126. Ratchet wheel 186is positioned about brake hub 146 and is coupled to control tang 178.Ratchet wheel 186 includes ramped gear teeth 190 that ratchet 182engages in one direction to move control tang 178 and allow drum 128 torotate with respect to gear wheel 126. In one embodiment, ratchet 182 ispositioned about ratchet wheel 186 and includes one or more ramped gearteeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gear teeth 190 ofratchet wheel 186 when manual release 188 is actuated. In somecontemplated embodiments, manual release 188 includes a cable 192, arope, or another suitable component that is coupled to ratchet 182 andconfigured to rotate ratchet 182 about brake hub 146 and with respect toratchet wheel 186 from a first position to a second position in whichratchet 182 engages ratchet wheel 186 as manual release 188 is pulled ormoved by a user. Spring 184 is used to return ratchet 182 to the firstposition once manual release 188 is released.

In operation, the user pulls on manual release 188 to release controltang 178 and allow lifting strap 108 to be extended. As manual release188 is pulled, ratchet 182 engages ratchet wheel 186 and rotates ratchetwheel 186 with respect to brake hub 146. The rotation of ratchet wheel186 engages control tang 178 and moves control tang 178 from a firstlocation on a circumferential surface of brake hub 146 to a secondlocation on the circumferential surface of brake hub 146 different thanthe first location, causing wrap spring 172 to unwind and expand in theradial direction to allow control hub 170 and drum 128 to rotate withshaft 130 with respect to gear wheel 126. As control hub 170 and drum128 rotate with shaft 130, slack in wrap spring 172 is taken up andcontrol tang 178 is released, which causes wrap spring 172 to tightenagain and stop drum 128 and control hub 170 from rotating with respectto gear wheel 126. In contemplated embodiments, pulling manual release188 to release control tang 178 results in lifting strap 108 beingmanually extended 1-8 centimeters (cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm,or, even more specifically 3-4 cm, and all subranges therebetween. In aparticular embodiment, when manual release 188 is pulled to releasecontrol tang 178 lifting strap 108 is manually extended at least 3 cm.When manual release 188 is released, spring 184 urges ratchet 182 backto the first position.

In an exemplary alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5-7 , amovement system 220 suitable for use with overhead patient lift system100 is contained within and supported by lift unit 104 and operativelycoupled to lifting strap 108, shown in FIG. 6 . Movement system 120includes a motor, such as motor 124 or another suitable motor, a gearwheel 226 operatively coupled to the motor, a drum 228, a shaft 230, anda brake system 232. In one embodiment, gear wheel 226 and drum 228 arecoupled to shaft 230 to rotate with shaft 230 as shaft 230 is driven bythe motor. The motor includes a motor shaft and a motor gear coupled tothe motor shaft (not shown in FIGS. 5-7 ) configured to engage gearwheel 226. In a contemplated embodiment, the motor gear meshes with oris otherwise operatively coupled to gear wheel 226 such that as themotor gear rotates with the motor shaft, the rotation of the motor gearcauses gear wheel 226 to rotate. As gear wheel 226 rotates, shaft 230and drum 228 rotate and lifting strap 108 is paid-out or taken-up (i.e.,extended or retracted, respectively) in order to lower or raise thepatient supported by a lifting device, such as a sling, attached tolifting strap 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7 , gear wheel 226 is positionedwithin a gear housing 234. Gear wheel 226 includes a motor engagingportion 242 and defines a shaft opening 244. A brake hub 246 is fixedlycoupled to gear wheel 226 using one or more suitable fasteners, such asa screw 247 or a bolt. In an alternative embodiment, brake hub 246 isintegrated with gear wheel 226. Motor engaging portion 242 includes gearteeth 248 that engage gear teeth on the motor gear. Shaft opening 244 isgenerally concentrically aligned with motor engaging portion 242 and anopening defined through brake hub 246 to allow shaft 230 to passtherethrough and rotate with respect to gear wheel 226. Brake hub 246has a diameter smaller than a diameter of motor engaging portion 242 andextends from motor engaging portion 242 through an opening in gearhousing 234. Brake hub 246 is generally cylindrical in shape and isconfigured to engage or operatively couple to brake system 232.

Shaft 230 extends through shaft opening 244 in gear wheel 226 andopenings in gear housing 234. Shaft 230 has a first end 250, an opposingsecond end 252, and a slot 254 defined in shaft 230 extending betweenfirst end 250 and second end 252. A projection 256 is positioned withinslot 254 at or near first end 250. As shown in FIGS. 5-7 , brake system232 is operatively coupled at or near first end 250 and drum 228 isoperatively coupled, such as directly coupled, at second end 252. Inthis embodiment, brake system 232 is actuatable to stop and/or preventthe rotation of shaft 230. In some contemplated embodiments, second end252 is coupled to lift unit 104 by one or more brackets 258.

Bearings 260 are positioned about shaft 230 at or near opposing ends ofdrum 228 to facilitate rotation of shaft 230 and drum 228 in a clockwiseor counter-clockwise rotational direction to extend or retract liftingstrap 108. Bracket 258 includes opposing side walls 262 at opposing endsof drum 228, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 . As drum 228 rotates to extend orretract lifting strap 108, side walls 262 help maintain lifting strap108 properly positioned on drum 228.

Referring further to FIGS. 5-7 , brake system 232 includes a control hub270, a wrap spring 272 positioned about at least a portion of controlhub 270 and at least a portion of brake hub 246, and an actuationmechanism 274. Control hub 270 is positioned about shaft 230 and alignedwith respect to shaft 230 by projection 256 to rotate with shaft 230 anddrum 228. A suitable retainer, such as a washer 275, retains control hub270 positioned about shaft 230 and against brake hub 246. As shown inFIG. 6 , control hub 270 is generally cylindrical and has a diametersubstantially equal to the diameter of brake hub 246.

Wrap spring 272 is configured to frictionally engage control hub 270 andbrake hub 246 to stop and/or prevent drum 228 from rotating with gearwheel 226 and to allow a user to manually lower lifting strap 108. Wrapspring 272 includes an end tang 276 and a control tang 278. End tang 276is retained in a slot 280 defined on an outer surface of control hub 270and control tang 278 is engaged by actuation mechanism 274, as describedbelow. End tang 276 is configured to provide a predetermined stop actionfor when control tang 278 is released. Because a load on lifting strap108 is always in the same direction due to gravity, wrap spring 272 isbiased toward remaining tight around brake hub 246 and control hub 270regardless of whether lifting strap 108 is being extended or retracted.

Actuation mechanism 274 is actuatable to engage control tang 278 andmove control tang 278 to expand wrap spring 272 in the radial direction.With wrap spring 272 expanded in the radial direction, shaft 230 anddrum 228 are rotatable with respect to gear wheel 226. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 5-7 , actuation mechanism 274 includes a ratchet 282, aspring 284, a ratchet wheel 286, and a manual release 288 coupled toratchet 282. In some contemplated embodiments, actuation mechanism 274includes solenoids and/or other suitable electronic components to movecontrol tang 278 and allow shaft 230 and drum 228 to rotate with respectto gear wheel 226.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , ratchet wheel 286 is positioned about brakehub 246 and is coupled to control tang 278. Ratchet wheel 286 includesramped gear teeth 290 that engage ratchet 282 in one direction to rotateratchet wheel 286 and move control tang 278 to open wrap spring 272 andexpand a diameter of wrap spring 272 in a radial direction with respectto the longitudinal axis of shaft 230. With wrap spring 272 expanded inthe radial direction, shaft 230 and drum 228 are rotatable with respectto gear wheel 226 to extend lifting strap 108. In one embodiment,ratchet 282 is positioned about ratchet wheel 286 and includes one ormore ramped gear teeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gearteeth 290 of ratchet wheel 286 when manual release 288 is actuated. Insome contemplated embodiments, manual release 288 includes a cable, arope, or another suitable component that is coupled to ratchet 282 andconfigured to rotate ratchet 282 with respect to ratchet wheel 286 froma first or initial position to a second position in which ratchet 282engages ratchet wheel 286 as manual release 288 is pulled or moved by auser. Spring 284 is used to return ratchet 282 to the first positiononce the user releases manual release 288.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 7 , spring 284 is coupled between a tab294 formed on an outer circumferential surface of ratchet 282 and a tab296 formed on a support member 298, which is fixedly coupled to gearhousing 234. A hook 300 or other suitable projection formed on or withinratchet 282 contacts a chamfer 302 formed on support member 298 withratchet 282 in the first position, as shown in FIG. 5 , to disengagehook 300 from a cooperating gear tooth on ratchet wheel 286. As ratchet282 engages ratchet wheel 286 upon actuation of manual release 288,ratchet 282 moves from the first position, with hook 300 contactingchamfer 302, to the second position with hook 300 engaged with acooperating gear tooth 290 on ratchet wheel 286 so that as ratchet 282rotates, ratchet wheel 286 is urged to rotate with ratchet 282. Withratchet 282 in the second position, spring 284 is stretched to biasratchet 282 towards the first position to facilitate returning ratchet282 to the first position to disengage ratchet 282 from ratchet wheel286.

In operation, the user actuates manual release 288 to allow liftingstrap 108 to be manually extended. As manual release 288 is actuated,ratchet 282 engages ratchet wheel 286 and rotates ratchet wheel 286about shaft 230. The rotation of ratchet wheel 286 moves control tang278 from a first location on a circumferential surface of brake hub 246to a second location on the circumferential surface of brake hub 246different than the first location, causing wrap spring 272 to unwind andexpand in the radial direction to allow control hub 270 and drum 228 torotate with respect to gear wheel 226. As control hub 270 and drum 228rotate, slack in wrap spring 272 is taken up and control tang 278 isreleased, which causes wrap spring 272 to tighten again and stop drum228 and control hub 270 from rotating with respect to gear wheel 226. Incontemplated embodiments, lifting strap 108 is manually extendible by1-8 centimeters (cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm, or, even morespecifically 3-4 cm, and all subranges therebetween. In a particularembodiment, when manual release 288 is actuated lifting strap 108 ismanually extended at least 3 cm. When manual release 288 is released,ratchet 282 disengages ratchet wheel 286 and spring 284 urges ratchet282 back to the first position.

In an exemplary alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 8 , a movementsystem 320 suitable for use with overhead patient lift system 100 iscontained at least partially within and supported by lift unit 104 andoperatively coupled to lifting strap 108. Movement system 320 includes adual-motor system 324, a gear wheel 326 operatively coupled todual-motor system 324, a drum 328, a shaft 330, and a brake system 332.In one embodiment, gear wheel 326 and drum 328 are coupled to shaft 330to rotate with shaft 330 as shaft 330 is driven by dual-motor system324. Dual-motor system 324 includes a motor shaft and a motor gearcoupled to the motor shaft (not shown in FIG. 8 ) configured to engagegear wheel 326. In a contemplated embodiment, the motor gear meshes withor is otherwise operatively coupled to gear wheel 326 such that as themotor gear rotates with the motor shaft, the rotation of the motor gearcauses gear wheel 326 to rotate. As gear wheel 326 rotates, shaft 330and drum 328 rotate and lifting strap 108 is paid-out or taken-up (i.e.,extended or retracted, respectively) in order to lower or raise thepatient supported by a lifting device, such as a sling, attached tolifting strap 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , gear wheel 326 is positioned withina gear housing 334 including a mounting plate 335. In an alternativeembodiment, mounting plate 335 is coupled to gear housing 334. Gearwheel 326 includes a motor engaging portion 342 and defines a shaftopening 344. A brake hub 346 is operatively coupled to gear wheel 326.Motor engaging portion 342 includes gear teeth 348 that engage gearteeth on the motor gear. Brake hub 346 is generally cylindrical in shapeand is configured to engage or operatively couple to brake system 332.

As shown in FIG. 8 , shaft 330 extends through shaft opening 344 in gearwheel 326 and openings in gear housing 334. Shaft 330 has a first end350, an opposing second end 352, and a slot 354 defined in shaft 330 ator near first end 350. Brake system 332 is operatively coupled at ornear first end 350. In this embodiment, brake system 332 is actuatableto stop and/or prevent the rotation of shaft 330. In some contemplatedembodiments, first end 350 of shaft 330 is positioned within an openingdefined by a mounting plate 356, which is coupled to lift unit 104.Bearings 360 are positioned at or near opposing first end 350 and secondend 352 of shaft 330 to facilitate rotation of shaft 330 and drum 328 ina clockwise or counter-clockwise rotational direction to extend orretract lifting strap 108.

Referring further to FIG. 8 , brake system 332 includes a control hub370, a wrap spring 372 positioned about at least a portion of controlhub 370 and at least a portion of brake hub 346, and an actuationmechanism 374 operatively coupled to control hub 370 and wrap spring372. Control hub 370 is positioned about shaft 330 and aligned withrespect to shaft 330 to rotate with drum 328. Control hub 370 isgenerally cylindrical and has an outer diameter substantially equal tothe outer diameter of brake hub 346 and an outer diameter of drum 328.Wrap spring 372 is configured to frictionally engage control hub 370 andbrake hub 346 to stop and/or prevent rotation of shaft 330 and gearwheel 326 to allow a user to manually lower lifting strap 108. Wrapspring 372 is configured to expand in a radial direction with respect toa longitudinal axis of shaft 330 to allow control hub 370 and drum 328to rotate with respect to gear wheel 326. Because a load on liftingstrap 108 is always in the same direction due to gravity, wrap spring372 is biased toward remaining tight around brake hub 346 and controlhub 370 regardless of whether lifting strap 108 is being extended orretracted. Wrap spring 372 includes an end tang 376 and a control tang378. End tang 376 is retained in a slot 380 defined on an outer surfaceof control hub 370 and control tang 378 is engaged by actuationmechanism 374, as described below. End tang 376 is configured to providea predetermined stop action for when control tang 378 is released.

Actuation mechanism 374 is actuatable to engage control tang 378 andmove control tang 378 to expand wrap spring 372 in the radial direction.With wrap spring 372 expanded in the radial direction, drum 328 isrotatable with respect to shaft 330 and gear wheel 326. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8 , actuation mechanism 374 includes a ratchet382, a spring the same or similar to spring 284 (not shown in FIG. 8 ),a ratchet wheel 386, and a manual release the same or similar to manualrelease 288 (not shown in FIG. 8 ) coupled to ratchet 382. In somecontemplated embodiments, actuation mechanism 374 includes solenoidsand/or other suitable electronic components to move control tang 378 andallow drum 328, control hub 370, and wrap spring 372 to rotate withrespect to shaft 330 and gear wheel 326.

As shown in FIG. 8 , ratchet wheel 386 is positioned about at least aportion of brake hub 346 and/or at least a portion of control hub 370and coupled to control tang 378. Ratchet wheel 386 includes ramped gearteeth 390 that engage ratchet 382 in one direction to rotate ratchetwheel 386 and move control tang 378 to open wrap spring 372 and expand adiameter of wrap spring 372 in a radial direction with respect to thelongitudinal axis of shaft 330. With wrap spring 372 expanded in theradial direction, drum 328, along with control hub 370 and wrap spring372, are rotatable with respect to shaft 330 and gear wheel 326 tomanually extend lifting strap 108. In one embodiment, ratchet 382 ispositioned about ratchet wheel 386 and includes one or more ramped gearteeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gear teeth 390 ofratchet wheel 386 when the manual release is actuated. In somecontemplated embodiments, the manual release includes a cable, a rope,or another suitable component that is coupled to ratchet 382 andconfigured to rotate ratchet 382 with respect to ratchet wheel 386 froma first or initial position to a second position in which ratchet 382engages ratchet wheel 386 as the manual release is pulled or moved by auser.

The spring coupled between ratchet 382 and ratchet wheel 386 is used toreturn ratchet 382 to the first position once the manual release isreleased. In certain embodiments, the spring is coupled between a tabformed on an outer circumferential surface of ratchet 382 and a tabformed on a support member 398. A hook or other suitable projectionformed on or within ratchet 382 contacts a chamfer formed on supportmember 398 with ratchet 382 in the first position to disengage the hookfrom a cooperating gear tooth on ratchet wheel 386. As ratchet 382engages ratchet wheel 386 upon actuation of the manual release, ratchet382 moves from the first position, with the hook contacting the chamfer,to the second position with the hook engaged with a cooperating geartooth 390 on ratchet wheel 386 so that as ratchet 382 rotates, ratchetwheel 386 is urged to rotate with ratchet 382. With ratchet 382 in thesecond position, the spring is stretched to bias ratchet 382 towards thefirst position to facilitate returning ratchet 382 to the first positionto disengage ratchet 382 from ratchet wheel 386.

In operation, the user actuates the manual release to allow liftingstrap 108 to be manually extended. As the manual release is actuated,ratchet 382 engages ratchet wheel 386 and rotates ratchet wheel 386about shaft 330. The rotation of ratchet wheel 386 moves control tang378 from a first location on a circumferential surface of brake hub 346or control hub 370 to a second location on the circumferential surfaceof brake hub 346 or control hub 370 different than the first location,causing wrap spring 372 to unwind and expand in the radial direction toallow drum 328, control hub 370, and wrap spring 372 to rotate withrespect to shaft 330 and gear wheel 326. As drum 328, control hub 370,and wrap spring 372 rotate, slack in wrap spring 372 is taken up andcontrol tang 378 is released, which causes wrap spring 372 to tightenagain and stop drum 328, control hub 370, and wrap spring 372 fromrotating with respect to shaft 330 and gear wheel 226. In contemplatedembodiments, lifting strap 108 is manually extendible by 1-8 centimeters(cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm, or, even more specifically 3-4 cm,and all subranges therebetween. In a particular embodiment, when themanual release is actuated lifting strap 108 is manually extended atleast 3 cm. When the manual release is released, ratchet 382 disengagesratchet wheel 386 and the spring urges ratchet 382 back to the firstposition.

In an exemplary alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 , a movementsystem 420 suitable for use with overhead patient lift system 100 iscontained at least partially within and supported by lift unit 104 andoperatively coupled to lifting strap 108. Movement system 420 includes adual-motor system 424, a gear wheel 426 operatively coupled todual-motor system 424, a drum 428, a shaft 430, and a brake system 432.In one embodiment, gear wheel 426 and drum 428 are coupled to shaft 430to rotate with shaft 430 as shaft 430 is driven by dual-motor system424. Dual-motor system 424 includes a motor shaft and a motor gearcoupled to the motor shaft (not shown in FIG. 9 ) configured to engagegear wheel 426. In contemplated embodiment, the motor gear meshes withor is otherwise operatively coupled to gear wheel 426 such that as themotor gear rotates with the motor shaft, the rotation of the motor gearcauses gear wheel 426 to rotate. As gear wheel 426 rotates, shaft 430and drum 428 rotate and lifting strap 108 is paid-out or taken-up (i.e.,extended or retracted, respectively) in order to lower or raise thepatient supported by a lifting device, such as a sling, attached tolifting strap 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , gear wheel 426 is positioned withina gear housing 434 including a mounting plate 435. In an alternativeembodiment, mounting plate 435 is coupled to gear housing 434. Gearwheel 426 includes a motor engaging portion 442 and defines a shaftopening 444. A brake hub 446 is operatively coupled to gear wheel 426.Motor engaging portion 442 includes gear teeth 448 that engage gearteeth on the motor gear. Brake hub 446 is generally cylindrical in shapeand is configured to engage or operatively couple to brake system 432.

Shaft 430 extends through shaft opening 444 in gear wheel 426 andopenings in gear housing 434. Shaft 430 has a first end 450, an opposingsecond end 452, and a slot 454 defined in shaft 430 at or near first end450. As shown in FIG. 9 , brake system 432 is operatively coupled at ornear first end 450. In this embodiment, brake system 432 is actuatableto stop and/or prevent the rotation of shaft 430. In some contemplatedembodiments, a mounting plate 456 is positioned on an opposite side ofdrum 428 from mounting plate 435. Mounting plates 456 and 435 couplemovement system 420 to lift unit 104. Bearings 460 are positioned withinor at respective mounting plates 435 and 456 to facilitate rotation ofshaft 430 and drum 428 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotationaldirection to extend or retract lifting strap 108.

Referring further to FIG. 9 , brake system 432 includes a control hub470, a wrap spring 472 positioned about at least a portion of controlhub 470 and/or at least a portion of brake hub 446, and an actuationmechanism 474 operatively coupled to control hub 470 and wrap spring472. Control hub 470 is positioned about shaft 430 and aligned withrespect to shaft 430 to rotate with shaft 430 and drum 428. Control hub470 is generally cylindrical and has an outer diameter substantiallyequal to the outer diameter of brake hub 446.

Wrap spring 472 is configured to frictionally engage control hub 470 andbrake hub 446 to stop and/or prevent rotation of shaft 430 and gearwheel 426 and allow a user to manually lower lifting strap 108. Wrapspring 472 is configured to expand in a radial direction with respect toa longitudinal axis of shaft 430 to allow drum 428, control hub 470, andwrap spring 472 to rotate with respect to shaft 430 and gear wheel 426.Because a load on lifting strap 108 is always in the same direction dueto gravity, wrap spring 472 is biased toward remaining tight aroundbrake hub 446 and control hub 470 regardless of whether lifting strap108 is being extended or retracted. Wrap spring 472 includes an end tang476 and a control tang 478. End tang 476 is retained in a slot 480defined on an outer surface of control hub 470 and control tang 478 isengaged by actuation mechanism 474, as described below. End tang 476 isconfigured to provide a predetermined stop action for when control tang478 is released.

Actuation mechanism 474 is actuatable to engage control tang 478 andmove control tang 478 to expand wrap spring 472 in the radial direction.With wrap spring 472 expanded in the radial direction, drum 428, controlhub 470, and wrap spring 472 are rotatable with respect to shaft 430 andgear wheel 426. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , actuation mechanism474 includes a ratchet 482, a spring the same or similar to spring 284(not shown in FIG. 9 ), a ratchet wheel 486, and a manual release thesame or similar to manual release 288 (not shown in FIG. 9 ) coupled toratchet 482. In some contemplated embodiments, actuation mechanism 474includes solenoids and/or other suitable electronic components to movecontrol tang 478 and allow drum 428, control hub 470, and wrap spring472 to rotate with respect to shaft 430 and gear wheel 426.

As shown in FIG. 9 , ratchet wheel 486 is positioned about at least aportion of brake hub 446 and/or at least a portion of control hub 470and coupled to control tang 478. Ratchet wheel 486 includes ramped gearteeth 490 that engage ratchet 482 in one direction to rotate ratchetwheel 486 and move control tang 478 to open wrap spring 472 and expand adiameter of wrap spring 472 in a radial direction with respect to thelongitudinal axis of shaft 430. With wrap spring 472 expanded in theradial direction, drum 428, along with control hub 470 and wrap spring472, are rotatable with respect to shaft 430 and gear wheel 426 tomanually extend lifting strap 108. In one embodiment, ratchet 482 ispositioned about ratchet wheel 486 and includes one or more ramped gearteeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gear teeth 490 ofratchet wheel 486 when the manual release is actuated. In somecontemplated embodiments, the manual release includes a cable, a rope,or another suitable component that is coupled to ratchet 482 andconfigured to rotate ratchet 482 with respect to ratchet wheel 486 froma first or initial position to a second position in which ratchet 482engages ratchet wheel 486 as the manual release is pulled or moved by auser.

The spring coupled between ratchet 482 and ratchet wheel 486 is used toreturn ratchet 482 to the first position once the manual release isreleased. In certain embodiments, the spring is coupled between a tabformed on an outer circumferential surface of ratchet 482 and a tabformed on a support member 498. A hook or other suitable projectionformed on or within ratchet 482 contacts a chamfer formed on supportmember 498 with ratchet 482 in the first position to disengage the hookfrom a cooperating gear tooth on ratchet wheel 486. As ratchet 482engages ratchet wheel 486 upon actuation of the manual release, ratchet482 moves from the first position, with the hook contacting the chamfer,to the second position with the hook engaged with a cooperating geartooth 490 on ratchet wheel 486 so that as ratchet 482 rotates aboutshaft 470, ratchet wheel 486 is urged to rotate with ratchet 482. Withratchet 482 in the second position, the spring is stretched to biasratchet 482 towards the first position to facilitate returning ratchet482 to the first position to disengage ratchet 482 from ratchet wheel486.

In operation, the user actuates the manual release to allow liftingstrap 108 to be manually extended. As the manual release is actuated,ratchet 482 engages ratchet wheel 486 and rotates ratchet wheel 486about shaft 430. The rotation of ratchet wheel 486 moves control tang478 from a first location on a circumferential surface of brake hub 446or control hub 470 to a second location on the circumferential surfaceof brake hub 446 or control hub 470 different than the first location,causing wrap spring 472 to unwind and expand in the radial direction toallow drum 428, control hub 470, and wrap spring 472 to rotate withrespect to shaft 430 and gear wheel 426. As drum 428, control hub 470,and wrap spring 472 rotate, slack in wrap spring 472 is taken up andcontrol tang 478 is released, which causes wrap spring 472 to tightenagain and stop drum 428, control hub 470, and wrap spring 472 fromrotating with respect to shaft 430 and gear wheel 426. In contemplatedembodiments, lifting strap 108 is manually extendible by 1-8 centimeters(cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm, or, even more specifically 3-4 cm,and all subranges therebetween. In a particular embodiment, when themanual release is actuated lifting strap 108 is manually extended atleast 3 cm. When the manual release is released, ratchet 482 disengagesratchet wheel 486 and the spring urges ratchet 482 back to the firstposition.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an exemplary alternative embodiment of a liftunit 504 suitable for use with overhead patient lift system 100 forlifting and/or moving a patient includes a movement system 520 containedat least partially within and supported by lift unit 504 and operativelycoupled to lifting strap 108. Movement system 520 includes a dual-motorsystem 524, a gear wheel 526 operatively coupled to dual-motor system524, a drum 528, a shaft 530, and a brake system 532. In one embodiment,gear wheel 526 and drum 528 are coupled to shaft 530 to rotate withshaft 530 as shaft 530 is driven by the motor. The motor includes amotor shaft and a motor gear coupled to the motor shaft (not shown inFIG. 10 ) configured to engage gear wheel 526. In a contemplatedembodiment, the motor gear meshes with or is otherwise operativelycoupled to gear wheel 526 such that as the motor gear rotates with themotor shaft, the rotation of the motor gear causes gear wheel 526 torotate. As gear wheel 526 rotates, shaft 530 and drum 528 rotate andlifting strap 108 is paid-out or taken-up (i.e., extended or retracted,respectively) in order to lower or raise the patient supported by alifting device, such as a sling, attached to lifting strap 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , gear wheel 526 is positioned withina gear housing 534 including a mounting plate 535. In an alternativeembodiment, mounting plate 535 is coupled to gear housing 534. Gearwheel 526 includes a motor engaging portion 542 and defines a shaftopening 544. A brake hub 546 is operatively coupled to gear wheel 526.Motor engaging portion 542 includes gear teeth 548 that engage gearteeth on the motor gear. Shaft opening 544 is generally concentricallyaligned with motor engaging portion 542 and allows shaft 530 to passtherethrough and rotate with gear wheel 526. Brake hub 546 is generallycylindrical in shape and is configured to engage or operatively coupleto brake system 532.

Shaft 530 extends through shaft opening 544 in gear wheel 526 andopenings in gear housing 534. Shaft 530 has a first end 550, an opposingsecond end 552, and a slot 554 defined in shaft 530 at or near first end550. As shown in FIG. 10 , brake system 532 is operatively coupled at ornear first end 550. In this embodiment, brake system 532 is actuatableto stop and/or prevent the rotation of shaft 530. In some contemplatedembodiments, first end 550 of shaft 530 is positioned within an openingdefined within a side panel 556 of lift unit 504. Bearings 560 arepositioned within the openings defined within gear housing 534 and sidepanel 556 to facilitate rotation of shaft 530 and drum 528 in aclockwise or counter-clockwise rotational direction to extend or retractlifting strap 108.

Referring further to FIG. 10 , brake system 532 includes a control hub570, a wrap spring 572 positioned about at least a portion of controlhub 570 and at least a portion of brake hub 546, and an actuationmechanism 574 operatively coupled to control hub 570 and wrap spring572. Control hub 570 is positioned about shaft 530 and aligned withrespect to shaft 530 to rotate with shaft 530 and drum 528. Wrap spring572 is configured to frictionally engage control hub 570 and brake hub546 to stop and/or prevent drum 528 from rotating with shaft 530 andgear wheel 526 to allow a user to manually lower lifting strap 108.

Wrap spring 572 is configured to expand in a radial direction withrespect to a longitudinal axis of shaft 530 to allow drum 528, controlhub 570 integrated with drum 528, and wrap spring 572 to rotate withrespect to shaft 530 and gear wheel 526. Wrap spring 572 includes an endtang 576 and a control tang 578. End tang 576 is retained in a slot 580defined on an outer surface of control hub 570 and control tang 578 isengaged by actuation mechanism 574, as described below. End tang 576 isconfigured to provide a predetermined stop action for when control tang578 is released. Wrap spring 572 is configured to expand in a radialdirection with respect to a longitudinal axis of shaft 530 to allow drum528, control hub 570, and wrap spring 572 to rotate with respect toshaft 530 and gear wheel 526. Because a load on lifting strap 108 isalways in the same direction due to gravity, wrap spring 572 is biasedtoward remaining tight around brake hub 546 and control hub 570regardless of whether lifting strap 108 is being extended or retracted.

Actuation mechanism 574 is actuatable to engage control tang 578 andmove control tang 578 to expand wrap spring 572 in the radial direction.With wrap spring 572 expanded in the radial direction, drum 528, controlhub 570, and wrap spring 572 are rotatable with respect to shaft 530 andgear wheel 526. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , actuation mechanism574 includes a ratchet 582, a spring the same or similar to spring 284(not shown in FIG. 10 ), a ratchet wheel 586, and a manual release 588operatively coupled to ratchet 582. In some contemplated embodiments,actuation mechanism 574 includes solenoids and/or other suitableelectronic components to move control tang 578 and allow drum 528,control hub 570, and wrap spring 572 to rotate with respect to shaft 530and gear wheel 526.

As shown in FIG. 10 , ratchet wheel 586 is positioned about at least aportion of brake hub 546 and/or at least a portion of control hub 570and coupled to control tang 578. Ratchet wheel 586 includes ramped gearteeth 590 that engage ratchet 582 in one direction to rotate ratchetwheel 586 and move control tang 578 to open wrap spring 572 and expand adiameter of wrap spring 572 in a radial direction with respect to thelongitudinal axis of shaft 530. With wrap spring 572 expanded in theradial direction, drum 528, along with control hub 570 and wrap spring572, are rotatable with respect to shaft 530 and gear wheel 526 tomanually extend lifting strap 108. In one embodiment, ratchet 582 ispositioned about ratchet wheel 586 and includes one or more ramped gearteeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gear teeth 590 ofratchet wheel 586 when manual release 588 is actuated. In somecontemplated embodiments, manual release 588 includes a cable 592, arope, or another suitable component that is coupled to ratchet 582 andconfigured to rotate ratchet 582 with respect to ratchet wheel 586 froma first or initial position to a second position in which ratchet 582engages ratchet wheel 586 as manual release 588 is pulled or moved by auser.

The spring coupled between ratchet 582 and ratchet wheel 586 is used toreturn ratchet 582 to the first position once manual release 588 isreleased. In certain embodiments, the spring is coupled between a tabformed on an outer circumferential surface of ratchet 582 and a tabformed on a support member 598. A hook or other suitable projectionformed on or within ratchet 582 contacts a chamfer formed on supportmember 598 with ratchet 582 in the first position to disengage the hookfrom a cooperating gear tooth on ratchet wheel 586. As ratchet 582engages ratchet wheel 586 upon actuation of manual release 588, ratchet582 moves from the first position, with the hook contacting the chamfer,to the second position with the hook engaged with a cooperating geartooth 590 on ratchet wheel 586 so that as ratchet 582 rotates aboutshaft 570, ratchet wheel 586 is urged to rotate with ratchet 582. Withratchet 582 in the second position, the spring is stretched to biasratchet 582 towards the first position to facilitate returning ratchet582 to the first position to disengage ratchet 582 from ratchet wheel586.

In operation, the user actuates manual release 588 to allow liftingstrap 108 to be manually extended. In a particular embodiment, manualrelease 588 is actuated to move to a first or intermediate position toactivate an electrical emergency switch that cuts off power supply todual-motor system 524. As the manual release is actuated to move to asecond position, ratchet 582 engages ratchet wheel 586 and rotatesratchet wheel 586 about shaft 530. The rotation of ratchet wheel 586moves control tang 578 from a first location on a circumferentialsurface of brake hub 546 or control hub 570 to a second location on thecircumferential surface of brake hub 546 or control hub 570 differentthan the first location, causing wrap spring 572 to unwind and expand inthe radial direction to allow drum 528, control hub 570, and wrap spring572 to rotate with respect to shaft 530 and gear wheel 526. As drum 528,control hub 570, and wrap spring 572 rotate, slack in wrap spring 572 istaken up and control tang 578 is released, which causes wrap spring 572to tighten again and stop drum 528, control hub 570, and wrap spring 572from rotating with respect to shaft 530 and gear wheel 526. Incontemplated embodiments, lifting strap 108 is manually extendible by1-8 centimeters (cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm, or, even morespecifically 3-4 cm, and all subranges therebetween. In a particularembodiment, when the manual release is actuated lifting strap 108 ismanually extended at least 3 cm. When the manual release is released,ratchet 582 disengages ratchet wheel 586 and the spring urges ratchet582 back to the first position. In a particular embodiment, a rollerswitch 599 or another suitable switch is moveable to rest the electricalemergency switch activated when manual release 588 is moved to the firstor intermediate position.

In an exemplary alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , amovement system 620 suitable for use with overhead patient lift system100 is contained at least partially within and supported by lift unit104 and operatively coupled to lifting strap 108. Movement system 620includes a dual-motor system including a first motor 624A operativelycoupled to a second motor 624B, a gear wheel 626 operatively coupled tothe dual-motor system, a drum portion 628 defined by a shaft 630, and abrake system 632. In one embodiment, gear wheel 626 is coupled to shaft630 to rotate with shaft 630 as shaft 630 is driven by the dual-motorsystem. The dual-motor system includes a motor shaft and a motor gearcoupled to the motor shaft (not shown in FIG. 11 ) configured to engagegear wheel 626. In a contemplated embodiment, the motor gear meshes withor is otherwise operatively coupled to gear wheel 626 such that as themotor gear rotates with the motor shaft, the rotation of the motor gearcauses gear wheel 626 to rotate. As gear wheel 626 rotates, shaft 630and drum portion 628 rotate and lifting strap 108 is paid-out ortaken-up (i.e., extended or retracted, respectively) in order to loweror raise the patient supported by a lifting device, such as a sling,attached to lifting strap 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , gear wheel 626 ispositioned within a gear housing 634. Gear wheel 626 includes a motorengaging portion 642 and defines a shaft opening 644. Shaft opening 644is generally concentrically aligned with motor engaging portion 642 andallows shaft 630 to pass therethrough and rotate with respect to gearwheel 626. Shaft 630 extends through shaft opening 644 in gear wheel 626and openings in gear housing 634. Shaft 630 has a first end 650 and anopposing second end 652. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , brake system 632is operatively coupled at or near first end 650. In this embodiment,brake system 632 is actuatable to stop or prevent the rotation of shaft630. In some contemplated embodiments, first end 650 of shaft 630 ispositioned within an opening defined by lift unit 104. Bearings 660 arepositioned at or near opposing first end 650 and second end 652 of shaft630 to facilitate rotation of shaft 630 and drum portion 628 in aclockwise or counter-clockwise rotational direction to extend or retractlifting strap 108.

Referring further to FIGS. 11 and 12 , brake system 632 includes acontrol hub 670, a wrap spring 672 positioned about control hub 670, andan actuation mechanism 674 operatively coupled to control hub 670 andwrap spring 672. Control hub 670 is positioned about shaft 630 andaligned with respect to shaft 630 to rotate with shaft 630. Control hub670 is generally cylindrical and has an outer diameter substantiallyequal to an outer diameter of drum portion 628. Wrap spring 672 isconfigured to frictionally engage control hub 670 and a brake hubportion 646 of shaft 630 to stop and/or prevent rotation of shaft 630and gear wheel 626 to allow a user to manually lower lifting strap 108.Wrap spring 672 is configured to expand in a radial direction withrespect to a longitudinal axis of shaft 630 to allow drum 628, controlhub 670, and wrap spring 672 to rotate with respect to shaft 630 andgear wheel 626. Because a load on lifting strap 108 is always in thesame direction due to gravity, wrap spring 672 is biased towardremaining tight around brake hub 646 and control hub 670 regardless ofwhether lifting strap 108 is being extended or retracted. Wrap spring672 includes an end tang 676 and a control tang 678. End tang 676 isretained in a slot 680 defined on an outer surface of control hub 670and control tang 678 is engaged by actuation mechanism 674, as describedbelow. End tang 676 is configured to provide a predetermined stop actionfor when control tang 678 is released.

Actuation mechanism 674 is actuatable to engage control tang 678 andmove control tang 678 to expand wrap spring 672 in the radial direction.With wrap spring 672 expanded in the radial direction, drum 628, controlhub 670, and wrap spring 672 are rotatable with respect to shaft 630 andgear wheel 626. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , actuationmechanism 674 includes a ratchet 682, a spring the same or similar tospring 284 (not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 ), a ratchet wheel 686, and amanual release 688 operatively coupled to ratchet 682. In somecontemplated embodiments, actuation mechanism 674 includes solenoidsand/or other suitable electronic components to move control tang 678 andallow drum 628, control hub 670, and wrap spring 672 to rotate withrespect to shaft 630 and gear wheel 626.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , ratchet wheel 686 is positioned about atleast a portion of brake hub 646 and/or at least a portion of controlhub 670 and coupled to control tang 678. Ratchet wheel 686 includesramped gear teeth 690 that engage ratchet 682 in one direction to rotateratchet wheel 686 and move control tang 678 to open wrap spring 672 andexpand a diameter of wrap spring 672 in a radial direction with respectto the longitudinal axis of shaft 630. With wrap spring 672 expanded inthe radial direction, drum 628, along with control hub 670 and wrapspring 672, are rotatable with respect to shaft 630 and gear wheel 626to manually extend lifting strap 108. In one embodiment, ratchet 682 ispositioned about ratchet wheel 686 and includes one or more ramped gearteeth (not shown) that are configured to engage gear teeth 690 ofratchet wheel 686 when manual release 688 is actuated. In somecontemplated embodiments, manual release 688 includes a cable 692 asshown in FIG. 12 , a rope, or another suitable component that is coupledto ratchet 682 and configured to rotate ratchet 682 with respect toratchet wheel 686 from a first or initial position to a second positionin which ratchet 682 engages ratchet wheel 686 as manual release 688 ispulled or moved by a user.

In one embodiment, the spring coupled between ratchet 682 and ratchetwheel 686 is used to return ratchet 682 to the first position oncemanual release 688 is released. In certain embodiments, the spring iscoupled between a tab formed on an outer circumferential surface ofratchet 682 and a tab formed on a support member. A hook or othersuitable projection formed on or within ratchet 682 contacts a chamferformed on the support member with ratchet 682 in the first position todisengage the hook from a cooperating gear tooth on ratchet wheel 686.As ratchet 682 engages ratchet wheel 686 upon actuation of manualrelease 688, ratchet 682 moves from the first position, with the hookcontacting the chamfer, to the second position with the hook engagedwith a cooperating gear tooth 690 on ratchet wheel 686 so that asratchet 682 rotates about shaft 670, ratchet wheel 686 is urged torotate with ratchet 682. With ratchet 682 in the second position, thespring is stretched to bias ratchet 682 towards the first position tofacilitate returning ratchet 682 to the first position to disengageratchet 682 from ratchet wheel 686.

In operation, the user actuates manual release 688 to allow liftingstrap 108 to be manually extended. As manual release 688 is actuated,ratchet 682 engages ratchet wheel 686 and rotates ratchet wheel 686about shaft 630. The rotation of ratchet wheel 686 moves control tang678 from a first location on a circumferential surface of brake hub 646or control hub 670 to a second location on the circumferential surfaceof brake hub 646 or control hub 670 different than the first location,causing wrap spring 672 to unwind and expand in the radial direction toallow drum 628, control hub 670, and wrap spring 672 to rotate withrespect to shaft 630 and gear wheel 626. As drum 628, control hub 670,and wrap spring 672 rotate, slack in wrap spring 672 is taken up andcontrol tang 678 is released, which causes wrap spring 672 to tightenagain and stop drum 628, control hub 670, and wrap spring 672 fromrotating with respect to shaft 630 and gear wheel 626. In contemplatedembodiments, lifting strap 108 is manually extendible by 1-8 centimeters(cm) or, more specifically, 2-6 cm, or, even more specifically 3-4 cm,and all subranges therebetween. In a particular embodiment, when manualrelease 688 is actuated lifting strap 108 is manually extended at least3 cm. When manual release 688 is released, ratchet 682 disengagesratchet wheel 686 and the spring urges ratchet 682 back to the firstposition.

In certain embodiments, one or more circuit boards are operativelycoupled to, such as in electrical or electronic communication with,overhead patient lift system 100 to monitor operation of one or morecomponents of overhead patient lift system 100, collect, process, and/orstore information, such as lift operation data and motor usage data, andtransmit information, such as lift operation data and motor usage data,to one or more of the following computer-implemented machines or devicesincluding, without limitation, a control and/or display device on liftunit 104, a control and/or display device of controller 140, and/or acontrol and/or display device on a computer or network of computers atone or more nurse stations or administrative stations, for example.

In one embodiment, one or more circuit boards or suitable control panelsare contained within lift unit 104 and connected in communication withthe movement system of overhead patient lift system 100, such asmovement system 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, or 620, and/or the lift unitmotor or motor system, such as motor/motor system 124, 324, 424, 524,624A or 624B. In a particular embodiment, one or more sensors or othersuitable detection components are operatively coupled to the movementsystem, such as movement system 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, or 620, and/orthe lift unit motor or motor system, such as motor/motor system 124,324, 424, 524, 624A or 624B, to detect lift operation and/or motorusage, respectively. The one or more sensors are configured to generateand transmit electronic signals representative of the detected liftoperation and/or motor usage to the circuit board, which is configuredto collect, process, and/or store such information, and generate andtransmit information to one or more computer-implemented machines ordevices in communication with the circuit board, as described above.

In certain embodiments, the one or more computer-implemented machines ordevices in communication with the circuit board include a controller insignal communication, either wired or wireless signal communication,with the circuit board contained within lift unit 104. The controllerincludes a suitable display to display information received from thecircuit board and/or information generated by the controller based onthe information received from the circuit board. In a particularembodiment, the controller is configured to generate command signals andtransmit the command signals to the circuit board contained within liftunit 104 to control operation of overhead patient lift system 100 and/oradjust parameters and/or limits, for example, programmed into thecircuit board.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 13-20 , in one embodiment controller 140includes a display 700 configured to display information received fromlift unit 104 and/or information generated by controller 140 based onthe information received from lift unit 104. FIGS. 13-20 illustratevarious screenshots (not all screenshots indicated by an associatedreference number in FIGS. 13-20 ) of display 700 displaying informationrelated to overhead patient lift system 100. In alternative embodiments,display 700 may be configured to display one or more of the screenshotsshown in FIGS. 13-20 and/or any suitable additional screenshots.

Referring further to FIGS. 13-20 , display 700 may display the totalusage of overhead patient lift system 100 or the number of liftsincluding the number of heavy lifts (lifts of over a threshold weight,such as 200 kilograms) 702, or the number of lifts in the past number ofdays (such as the past 7 days) 704. Display 700 may display serviceinformation including, for example, the days until planned service 706,and the total power consumption 708. Indicators, such as icons includinga wrench 710 (FIG. 13 ), may provide visual alerts. The powerconsumption may indicate the total number of amp hours including apercentage of amp hours remaining or consumed. Indicators beingdisplayed in specific predefined colors may correspond to specificpredetermined events or event types and provide additional alertinformation. For example, an indicator such as a red-colored icondepicting a motor of the overhead lift may indicate that the motor ispast its expected life time. Display 700 may also indicate an overloadoccurrence and a total number of overload occurrences.

Referring further to FIGS. 17-20 , display 700 may display an advanceservice program 712 for service technicians with authorization, forexample, by inputting a password, to access controller 140 to programparameters, limits, and other aspects of or reset overhead patient liftsystem 100. The technician may, for example, program or reset one ormore of the following in advance service program 712: count until nextservice or maintenance; transfer motor speed (full speed or half-speed);overload counter (number of overloads and/or duty overload); end limits(upper lift limit and lower lift limit); battery change limits (12months, 15 months, 24 months); and service intervals (12 months, 15months, 24 months). In addition, advance service program 712 maytransfer data between lift unit 104 and controller 140. For example, ifthe circuit board in lift unit 104 needs replacement; data can betransferred from the circuit board being replaced to controller 140 andthen from controller 140 to a new circuit board coupled to lift unit104.

The above embodiments may be described in terms of functional blockcomponents and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may berealized by any number of hardware and/or software components configuredto perform the specified functions. For example, embodiments may employvarious integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or more processors,microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elementsof the above embodiments are implemented using software programming orsoftware elements the embodiments may be implemented with anyprogramming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, assembler, orthe like, with the various algorithms being implemented with anycombination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or otherprogramming elements. Furthermore, the embodiments could employ anynumber of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signalprocessing and/or control, data processing and the like. The wordmechanism may be used broadly and is not limited to mechanical orphysical embodiments, but can include software routines in conjunctionwith processors, etc.

The particular implementations shown and described herein areillustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwiselimit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity,conventional electronics, control systems, software development andother functional aspects of the systems (and components of theindividual operating components of the systems) may not be described indetail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in thevarious figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functionalrelationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the variouselements. It should be noted that many alternative or additionalfunctional relationships, physical connections or logical connectionsmay be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component isessential to the practice of the invention unless the element isspecifically described as “essential” or “critical.” Numerousmodifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilledin this art without departing from the spirit and scope of theembodiments.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodimentsillustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwisespecified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unlessotherwise specified, and embodiments as described may include additionalor fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it iscontemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before,contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scopeof aspects of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented with computer-executableinstructions. The computer-executable instructions may be organized intoone or more computer-executable components or modules. Aspects of theinvention may be implemented with any number and organization of suchcomponents or modules. For example, aspects of the invention are notlimited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specificcomponents or modules illustrated in the figures and/or describedherein. Other embodiments of the invention may include differentcomputer-executable instructions or components having more or lessfunctionality than illustrated and described herein.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein ismeant to further enhance understanding of principles of the presentdisclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any waydependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrativeembodiment, proof, or finding.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,”“at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention tolimit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to thecontrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “aportion” is used the item may include a portion and/or the entire itemunless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shownand described and that all possible alternatives, modifications,aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that comewithin the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of thefollowing claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of thedisclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawingsand foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrativeand not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to theprecise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications andvariations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, whilemultiple inventive aspects and principles may have been presented, theyneed not be utilized in combination, and various combinations ofinventive aspects and principles are possible in light of the variousembodiments provided above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A selectably driven movement system comprising: amotor; a brake hub having an outer cylindrical surface, the brake hubbeing operatively coupled to the motor and configured to be driven bythe motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and acounter-clockwise direction; a control hub having an outer cylindricalsurface, the control hub being concentrically aligned with andoperatively coupled to the brake hub, wherein the control hub isselectively driven by the brake hub; a wrap spring operatively couplingthe control hub to the brake hub; and an actuation mechanism operativelycoupled to the wrap spring to urge the wrap spring to expand in a radialdirection with respect to a longitudinal axis of the brake hub to allowthe control hub to rotate with respect the brake hub, the actuationmechanism comprising: a ratchet; and a ratchet wheel including one ormore ramped gear teeth engageable with the ratchet in one direction toexpand the wrap spring in the radial direction.
 2. The movement systemof claim 1, wherein the wrap spring has an inner friction applyingsurface positioned about at least a portion of the outer cylindricalsurfaces of each of the control hub and the brake hub to operativelycouple the control hub to the brake hub.
 3. The movement system of claim2, wherein the ratchet wheel is positioned about at least one of thecontrol hub and the brake hub.
 4. The movement system according to claim3, further comprising: a drum operatively coupled to the motor, the drumconfigured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of aclockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction; and a manualrelease operatively coupled to the drum, the manual release actuatableto selectively disengage the drum from being operatively coupled to themotor to allow the drum to rotate independent of the motor, wherein theratchet is positioned about the ratchet wheel, the ratchet comprising ahook configured to engage a cooperating ramped gear tooth of the rampedgear teeth when the manual release is actuated.
 5. The movement systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the manual release comprises a cablecoupled to the ratchet, the cable movable to urge the ratchet to rotatefrom a first position to a second position in which the ratchet engagesthe ratchet wheel.
 6. The movement system according to claim 5, furthercomprising a spring operatively coupling the ratchet and the ratchetwheel, the spring configured to urge the ratchet to the first positionupon release of the manual release.
 7. The movement system according toclaim 6, where the spring is coupled between a first tab formed on anouter circumferential surface of the ratchet and a second tab formed ona support member fixedly coupled to a gear housing of the movementsystem.
 8. The movement system according to claim 7, further comprising:a chamfer formed on the support member, wherein the hook contacts thechamfer with the ratchet in the first position to disengage the ratchetfrom the ratchet wheel.
 9. The movement system of claim 2, furthercomprising: a drum operatively coupled to the motor, the drum configuredto be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwisedirection and a counter-clockwise direction.
 10. The movement system ofclaim 9, further comprising a manual release operatively coupled to thedrum, the manual release actuatable to selectively disengage the drumfrom being operatively coupled to the motor to allow the drum to rotateindependent of the motor.
 11. The movement system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a drum operatively coupled to the motor, the drum configuredto be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwisedirection and a counter-clockwise direction.
 12. The movement system ofclaim 11, further comprising a manual release operatively coupled to thedrum, the manual release actuatable to selectively disengage the drumfrom being operatively coupled to the motor to allow the drum to rotateindependent of the motor.
 13. A selectably driven movement systemcomprising: a motor; a drive shaft operatively coupled to the motor; abrake hub coupled to the drive shaft, the brake hub having an outercylindrical surface and configured to be driven by the drive shaft torotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwisedirection; a control hub having an outer cylindrical surface, thecontrol hub being concentrically aligned with and operatively coupled tothe brake hub, wherein the control hub is selectively driven by thebrake hub; a wrap spring operatively coupling the control hub to thebrake hub; and an actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the wrapspring to urge the wrap spring to expand in a radial direction withrespect to a longitudinal axis of the brake hub to allow the control hubto rotate with respect the brake hub, the actuation mechanismcomprising: a ratchet; and a ratchet wheel including one or more rampedgear teeth engageable with the ratchet in one direction to expand thewrap spring in the radial direction.
 14. The movement system of claim13, wherein the wrap spring has an inner friction applying surfacepositioned about at least a portion of the outer cylindrical surfaces ofeach of the control hub and the brake hub to operatively couple thecontrol hub to the brake hub and selectively drive the control hub. 15.The movement system of claim 14, wherein the ratchet wheel is positionedabout at least one of the control hub and the brake hub.
 16. Themovement system according to claim 15, further comprising a drumoperatively coupled to the motor, the drum configured to be selectivelydriven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and acounter-clockwise direction; and a manual release operatively coupled tothe drum, the manual release actuatable to selectively disengage thedrum from being operatively coupled to the motor to allow the drum torotate independent of the motor, wherein the ratchet is positioned aboutthe ratchet wheel, the ratchet comprising a hook configured to engage acooperating ramped gear tooth of the ramped gear teeth when the manualrelease is actuated.
 17. The movement system according to claim 16,wherein the manual release comprises a cable coupled to the ratchet, thecable movable to urge the ratchet to rotate from a first position to asecond position in which the ratchet engages the ratchet wheel.
 18. Themovement system according to claim 17, further comprising a springoperatively coupling the ratchet and the ratchet wheel, the springconfigured to urge the ratchet to the first position upon release of themanual release.
 19. The movement system according to claim 18, where thespring is coupled between a first tab formed on an outer circumferentialsurface of the ratchet and a second tab formed on a support memberfixedly coupled to a gear housing of the movement system.
 20. Themovement system according to claim 19, further comprising: a chamferformed on the support member, wherein the hook contacts the chamfer withthe ratchet in the first position to disengage the ratchet from theratchet wheel.